Time-controlled electric switch.



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PATENTED .TUNE 9.,' 1908.

R. B. BRAUER.

TIME CONTROLLED ELECTRIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED DBG. 9, 1907.

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akamu EATENTED JUNE 0, 1900. E. E. BEAUEE. TIME GONTROLLED ELECTRIC SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED DEG.9, 1907.

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PATENTED JUNE 9, 1908.

l R. B. BRAUER. TIME CCNTRCLLED ELECTRIC SWITCH..

AP-ILIOATION-PILBD DEG. 9. 1907.

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UNITED sTATEs PATENT oEEIcE.,

RICHARD B. BEAUER, or RICHMOND, VIRGINIA.

TIME-CONTROLLED ELECTRIC SWITCH.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 9, 1908.

Application filed December 9, 1907. Serial No. 405,770.

Vit appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to improvements in switches and particularly to automatically operated switches.

The invention comprises an electrical switch and improved means for automatically throwing the switch on, and improved means for automatically throwing the switch in an opposite direction.

The invention further comprises a switch, and springs for operating the switch for open ing the same or closing the same, and means operated automatically by the alarm mechanism of a clock for permitting said springs to move the switch.

The invention still further comprises a switch designed to be thrown on for completing a circuitI for electric lights and the like, and for again being thrown oif, and operating members for moving said switch from an open to a closed position, or vice versa, designed to be set into operation by the alarm mechanism of an ordinary clock.

The object in viewis the provision of means for automatically switching on or completing a circuit for an electric current for lighting purposes and the like, and improved means for throwing the switch off automatically at predetermined times.

Another object in view is the provision of a switch formed with a handle constructed with a cam surface, means for acting against the cam surface operated by springs for moving the handle and consequently throwing the switch, and means operated automatically by the alarm mechanism of a clock for causing the springs to act upon the handle operating means for throwing the switch either to an open or closed position.

With these and other obj ectsI in view the invention comprises certain novel constructions, combinations and. arrangements of parts as will be hereinafter more fully described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a top plan view of the present invention,

the outer casing being removed to disclose the operating mechanism. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of Fig. 1, a side of the housing being removed. Fig. 3 is a detail sectional View approximately on line 3 3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a lock forming part of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a longitudinal vertical section through the lock shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a side view of a blank forming the housing ofA the catch shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a detailed fragmentary perspective view of one vnd of the spring used in the catch shown in In the use of electricity for lighting purposes, and also for many other purposes, it is often desirable to switch the same on at a certain time and again to switch olf the current at another certain time and to do the same automatically and without any attention whatever from an operator. In constructing a device for accomplishing these purposes the present invention is aimed to use substantially the ordinary switch in common use and ordinary clocks and to so connect the same and arrange the same in combination with other mechanism as to cause the alarm mechanism of one clock to operate the switch board for cutting off and interrupting the current and for the alarm mechanismof the other clock to again operate the switch for turning on the current, or vice versa.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, 1 indicates a box or housing of any desired kind and of such size as to accommodate the various mechanism hereinafter more -fully described. It will be evident that in some instances large and powerful switches are necessary for operating owerful current, and consequently the mec anism and housing will be comparatively large, while in places where the current is smal a comparatively small switch and mechanism may be used to o erate the same together with a comparatively small housing, the housing being used as a protection and also to properly support the various parts of the mechanism in their proper relation to each other` Mounted in housing 1 is a support 2 preferably of slate. The support 2 is firmly secured to the bottom of housing 1 by suitable means as bolt 31 and is spaced from the housing 1 by a cushioning means 4 that is made of elastic material as, for instance, rubber, so as to take up any shock or jar rey preferably some high grade linoleum.

ceived by support 2. This will prevent any shock or j ar to support 2 to be communicated to clocks 5 and 6. Secured to support 2 is a pair of uprights 7 and 8 constructed from insulating material, preferably liber. Upon the side of members or uprights 7 and 8 are positioned contacts 9 and 1() that are designed to be connected to a source of current. Suitable insulating spools or sleeves 11 and 12 are provided for accommodating the wire leading to contacts 9 and 1U. Contact member 9 is connected to or formed integral with bracket 13 and contact member 10 is connected to or -formed integral with bracket 14. Contacts 9 and 10 are connected with a source of current and are designed principally to hold the knives 15 and 16 in proximity to an operating member 17 so that the same may press against handle or, cam 18 for throwing` the switch and causing knives 15 and 16 to take the position shown in Fig. 1, and in contact with contact members 19 and 20. Contact members 19 and 2() are insulated from pivotal lugs or members 13 and 14 and also from contacts 9 and 1() but when the blades or knives 15 and 16 are in contact with members 9 and 10 current will flow from the source of current to contact 19, from thence through a circuit of any desired kind as, for instance, lighting circuit to contact 20, through knife 16, contact member 10 and to the source of generation.

Connecting the blades 15 and 16 is a bar 21 formed of insulating material and arranged to carry or support cam 18 which acts as a two-'faced cam, and also as a handle for manually operating the switch when so desired. Suitable members 22 are provided for firmly holding cam 18 in correct relation to cross bar 21. ln 4order to accommodate cross bar 21, slots 23 and 24 are provided in upright 8, and slots 25 and 26 are provided in upright 7, so that when the switch is in either position the blades thereof may be 'firmly in contact with either of the contact members. The uprights 7 and 8 also assist in preventing any llame passing from contact 9 to contact 10.

Positioned between uprights 7 and 8 is a strip of insulating material 27 of spongy consistency Positioned above insulating material 27 is a strip of sheet metal 28 that is designed to entirely cover insulating material 27 and to receive the blow from operating members 17 and 29. The sheet metal 28 will successfully resist the pounding action. of cam operating members 17 and 29, and the insulating material 27 will take up the shock and prevent any considerable noise as well as vibration. Secured to sheet metal strip 28 are bearing and spring containing members 30 and 31. Members 30 and 31 are secured in position preferably by bolts as 32 and 33 that extend entirely through metal strip 28 insulating material 27 and support 2. Nuts 34 and 35 respectively are used to clamp members '30 and 31 to the metallic strip 28 and nuts 36 and 37 are used to clamp both the spring containing members 30 and 31 and strip 27 to support 2 and incidentally clamp insulating strip 27 in lposition as clearly seen in Fig. 3. Passing through member 31 is a shaft 38 that is designed to carry springs 9 and 40 which normally tend to force cam operating member 29 from the position shown in Fig. 3 and into contact with metal strip 28. Member 3() also accommodates shaft 41 which has around the same, springs 42 and 43 which normally tend to hold cam operating member 17 in the position shown in Fig. 1. Preferably two springs are used to operate members 17 and 29 but it will be evident that one spring` could be used if desired. Positioned at the ends of the metal strip 27 are catches 44 and 45 that are designed to receive and hold cam operating members 17 and 29 until released by mechanism hereinafter fully described. The catches 44 and 45 are of identical structure and are formed. as more clearly seen in Figs. 4 and 5. ln constructing these catches the body portion is formed from a blank as shown in Fig. 6, and bent to proper form as shown in` Fig. 4. In forming the catches the same are constructed with. extended portions 46 and 47 through which securing means may be passed l'or holding the catch in position. In the upper part of the housing is formed a slot 48 through which the operating arm 49 passes. To the outer end of the operating arm 49 is secured a cam shaped head 5() that is arranged to receive a blow from a hammer hereinafter more fully described, and to receive the blow in such a manner as to swing member 49 in slot 48. Arm 49 is passed. through the upper part of a hook or catch member 5l and is designed to rest upon the lower edge thereof. The lower arm 49 is preferably secured in position by solder F2 so as to positively secure the arm in position. The catch or hook member 51 is formed with an engaging portion 53 that is designed to engage the outer end of cam operating member 17 or 29 for holding the same in a set position.

As clearly seen inr Fig. 5 the hook shaped member 51 is formed from a single piece oi material and is bent for forming the contact portion 53, a journal receiving member 54, and a lever portion 55 for receiving arm 49 as heretofore described. For bendingl catchV 5] into shape the same is 'firmly soldered together in the various places ol contact or riveted as may seem most desirable. The shaft 56 is designed to pass through the housing of the catch and to bearing member 54 for holding the catch in )roper position. The catch 51 is also formed with a beveled or cam member 57 for receiving and guiding the end of the cam operating members 17 and 19. The housing also is curved over at A wise firmly secured to the same.

58 for forming means for allowing the cam member 57 to move uponits journal or pivot 56 and yet close the opening in the housing. Firmly secured in the housing is a spring 59 preferably flat for engaging the lever end 55 of hook member 51 for normally holding the same in the position shown in Fig. 5, and rotate for engagement with the cam operating arms. The spring 59 may be securely riveted in place as shown in Fig. 5 or formed with openings 60 as shown in Fig. 7. Openings 6() are designed to receive pressed out portions 61 of the housing and then solder is used for more firmly securing the spring in position, the legs or pressed out portions 61 preventing positively any lateral movement of spring 59.

Mounted in housing 1 above but in proximity to catch 44 is a clock support 62 for supporting clock 6. Clock 6 may be of any desired construction, preferably of the ordinary alarm clock construction, and is arranged to be held in an upright position by a member or frame 63 that 1s soldered or other- The frame or support 63 together with the body ortionI of the clock 6 is designed to i'it -snug y into support 62 and to be held in position thereby. An alarm hammer 64 is provided in the usual manner and designed to be o erated by the usual alarm mechanism of a c ock. Pivotally secured in frame 62 is an o erating handle or lever 65 that is normally designed to have the rear portion thereof resting against hammer '64. Secured to the eX- treme end of arm 65 is a hammer or enlargement 66 that is preferably oval so that when the alarm mechanism of the clock begins to operate hammer 64 an arm 65 will be forced or knocked outward upon its pivot 67. As it swings on pivot 67 and moves in thearc of a circle, the hammer or enlargement 66 strikes against the beveled surface or head 50 as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. It will be observed that the blow of 66 causes head 50 and also hook member 51 to move away from cam operating arm or lever 17, and consequently releases the same. When so released springs 42 and 48 will immediately force the arm 17 over to the position 'shown in Fig. 1 and if cam sha ed member 18 is in the path of movement t ereof it will be forced over to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Positioned in housing 1 opposite frame 62 is another clock supporting frame 68 similar to supporting frame 62 and designed to support clock 5 that operates in a similar manner to clock 6. Clock 5 is designed to operate a lever or arm 69 and a hammer 70 by means of an alarm hammer 71 as described in regard to arm 65 and surrounding mechanism for permitting hammer to engage the beveled surface of head 50 on catch 45. When head 50 is thus engaged and forced back it willmove the hook 51 (shown `in Fig. 5) so as to free cam operating arm 29. "When cam operating arm 29 is released springs 39 and 40 will force the same against cam 18 and swing cam 18 together with blades 15 and 16 until the blades are in contact with contact members 9 and 10 and member 29 is in con-` tact with metal strip 28.

In operation when the leads 72 and 73 are connected to a lighting system and it is desired to switch on the current at a certain hour and to again switch off the current at another specified hour, cam operating arms or levers 17 and 19 are moved over into engagement with their respective catches 44 and 45, the arms 65 and 69 being in a raised position as shown in Fig. 1. The switch is moved until the blades thereof, 15 and 16, are in contact with contact members 9 and 10; When in this position the lights are cut out. Clock; 6 is then set for th'e alarm to go off at a specified hour for turning thelights on and then clock 5 has the alarm mechanism thereof set for o erating at a specified hour for turning the lights out. When the time has arrived clock 6 will cause the alarm mechanism contained therein to move hammer 64 rand consequently force out arm 65 and hammer 66. Hammer 66 being forced out will drop against head 50 of catch 44 and release cam member 17. Cam member 17 will press against cam handle 18 and force the same to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 with a quick sudden movement. This will turn on the lights which will burn until manually turned off or until the time set for the alarm to sound or operate in clock 5. When the alarm mechanism of clock 5 begins to operate hammer 71 will force outward arm `69 and hammer 70. Hammer 7 0 being forced out will drop against head 50 of catch 45 and move the same for releasing cam operating arm or member 29. Member 29 being released will strike against handle or cam 18 and quickly move the same over to its position with the blades 15 and 16 in contact with contact members 9 and 10. Member 29 will only be in contact with cam 18 substantially a quarter revolution but the movement is so quick and forcible that the momentum carries the handle together with the blades over into firm contact with contact members 9`-and 10. 1n order to prevent blades.15 and 16 from entering too great a distance into contact members 9 and 1() and also 19 and 20, pressed ont legs or portions 73-73 and 7 4-7 4 respectively are provided which are pressed into the path of movement of the respective blades. By this arrangement after the clocks have been set the same will need no further attention and at the proper time the lights will be turned on for the night, and at the proper time in the morning the lights will be turned off. Any time during the day the attendant may go and reset the device so as to operate again at the same respective hours or at any time desired, the movement of the switch tor turning the lights on and ol'll being timed by the time at which the alarm mechanism ol the various clocks are operated.

What I claim is:

l. A device of the character described comprising a switch for throwing on and ell electric current, mechanism lor operating said switch, a plurality of hammers tor operating said mechanism, said hammers being formed with an enlarged end portion and a contact portion, and alarm clocks formed with hammers secured to the alarm mechanism thereol for engaging the contact portion ol said 'first mentioned hammers, each ol said second mentioned hammers being adapted to operate at predetermined intervals.

2. A device of the character described comprising a switch, mechanism for operating said switch, a catch for holding said mechanism against operation, said catch comprising a housing formed with a deflecting portion, a pivotally mounted hook member formed with a projection, means for holding said hook member in operative position and a pivotally mounted hammer adapted to strike said projection for moving said hook -for disengaging the hook from said switch operating means, and means for operating said hammer.

o. A device of the character described comprising` a switch, means Afor throwing the same on, means for throwing the saine oll', catches lor holding against movement said means, said catches being vformed of a housing, a hook member bent upon itsell `for 'forming a contact portion, a journal meniber, a lever member, and means for normally holding the hook member in operative position, and time controlled hammers adapted to engage said lever members for moving said hooks lor permitting the operation olz said. switch, said hammers operating at predetermined intervals.

4. A device of the character described, comprising a switch, springs positioned on each side ol said switch, means operated by said springs for throwing said switch, a catch positioned en each side oli said switch -l'or engaging said means, a pivotally mounted. hammer positioned on each side of said switch and adapted to strike said catch for releasing said means, said means when re leased throwing said switch, and a pluralitjT of clocks adapted to cause said hammer to strike said. catches at predetermined times.

In testimonjT whereof I al'lix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

RICHARD B. B'RAUER.

Wvitnesses:

Ina M. SHUMAN, G. Nonnis SHUMAN. 

